Chin Up!

General
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How do you keep your chin up while dealing with your situation? Ruptured or unruptured, clipped, coiled, whatever? We seem to be on emotional rollercoasters in dealing with all of this… I know I am, at least. I follow up with my neurosurgeon for my second follow up since my surgery on June 5, and I will ask about some light weight training/light cardio/yoga because I think that’d be good for me.

I’m just curious as to how y’all deal with the anxieties, fears, and depression? I haven’t talked with a therapist yet, and I’m not totally against medication if needed, I just want to try a more natural route because I don’t want to add more medicine to my healing brain. I just feel like it tampers with its ability to heal itself, and that’s truly the last thing I want to do is slow this process down even more haha. I’m only a little over 3 months in, and somedays I feel I’ll never get better. Then the next day I feel like I can conquer the world. Emotional rollercoaster.

Thank you for your input, and time!

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Oops! Don’t mean to be misleading… My surgery was February 6 after a rupture Feb 4. My first follow up was March 6, and my next follow up is June 5th. Sorry if that seemed confusing. That’s what I get for not proofreading before I post haha.

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Hi Robin,

Dealing with anxieties, fears and depression will differ depending on your personality, your beliefs and your resources.

Over the years, I’ve depended on prayer and my belief in God, I’m blessed to have a very caring husband who is supportive in many non-traditional ways. So much so, that I don’t have to worry about housework getting done, etc. He shares in it. Our philosophys has been that a marriage is 50/50 but sometimes it’s 90/10 or 10/90 especially when it comes to sharing the load. My mother has been my rock as my postings on this site attest. My weekly calls to her have helped me to stay “grounded”. I’m thankful to still have her.

Sometimes, I write my feelings down. I often reflect on a “depressive” episode that I had a couple of years ago. My mind was buzzing and I couldn’t sleep. So, I got up and started to type “I had a bad day today”. When I was finished writing it was crystal clear that I’d temporarily lost sight of just how blessed I was and that the “bad” day was really a “blessed” day. The impact of that experience has been lingering. If I start to feel down, I recall that experience and am immediately better. Writing on this site also helps. It is a tremendous community.

I also keep busy. My career was very fulfilling. I learned how to manage my “word finding” and other post operative issues so that I could be successful.

As a child, I learned to “give back”. So, I’ve always been active. I find that volunteering and helping others takes my mind off my fears and/or pain. Helping others brings me joy to me. It also emphasizes my blessings…

I also have a PCP doctor who listens to me and helps me deal with my fears. He is not a “pill pusher” or one to attribute everything to my being a hysterical woman (although on somedays I’ve probably seemed like one). It’s also very helpfu that none of the other doctors that I’ve seen over the years have tried to “scare” me into having another surgery.

Depression runs in my mother’s family so I’ve worked really hard to recognize possible onsets and work through them. Thankfully, I’ve not had a serious bout but I do believe that trusting in God and believing that “I am a victor and not a victim” helps.

“Music soothes the soul” they say and I find it to be true. For me there are few joys greater than singing! I love the symphony and I surround myself with classical music and hymns. I’m also quite fond of the Motown Sound and Mr. B. B. King.

It’s been almost 43 years since my rupture. As you say some days are better than others. This is life. We give thanks for our blessings and focus on becoming the best that we can be - “warts and all”.

Take care.

Carole

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Carole---sage advice......I will say it again- you seem like a good, kind, caring, and intelligent woman--I really like reading your posts-

I will try, in particular, to remember this "I am a victor and not a victim"


It is too easy to fall into the "why me" mentality which really is self-defeating-

Thank you--Dana

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Thanks, Dana :slight_smile:

Carole

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Carole, you are so wise. I am inspired by your wisdom and kindness. The world needs more people like you. Thanks, Shelly

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Thanks, Shelly,

Maybe one of the reaons for my survival is so that I can share my experiences and try to encourage others!

Thanks for your very kind comments.

Carole

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Hi Robin, I guess since I had gone through all this a long time ago. I may have
have some hints.
First, patience is the best along with a positive thinking. Easier said than done but work at it.

Depression is a Human reaction to all this. But!!! If you realize Everyone is not perfect.
and that you Survived this. You can learn to tolerate a lot more than you will ever believe. If your depression keeps you from Living!!!
Don’t be embarrassed on asking for professional assistance. Depression is chemical embalance
that is no fault on anyone. My late father in law used to say" life is not a dress rehersal, so enjoy yourself"
Recovery takes time and rushing things doesn’t help. You Survived all this. Your Family has no idea on what your going through. Don’t
be shy or hide from it. I found out problems I am having years after, because I didn’t
speak up. Just remember, stay positive. I made up a line about the dent in my head.
pending on the situation, I would say that when I was Scuba Diving, a small Hammer Head
Shark and I didn’t quite see eye to eye, or---- my mother in law was driving me out of my mine so much---- my head caved in.
That’s the one I like.! ( close to real ). My best wishes!